A Roadmap for Building Culture

You may be aware of the Nine Universals of Culture. They’re the backbone of human connection. Across every society, these universal principles illustrate how people live, work, and thrive regardless of specific societal, geographic, or historical factors. They provide a framework for understanding how different cultures address similar needs and challenges. Comprehending these universals is critical if you want to lead teams effectively. Cultures thrive—or crumble—based on how well they adapt to universal human needs. The Nine Universals of Culture are more than an anthropology lesson; they’re your leadership blueprint. Ignore them, and you’re building on sand. Use them to lead with purpose, clarity, and impact. Review them and then learn why they matter to you as a leader.

1. Language: A system of communication, including spoken, written, and non-verbal forms.
2. Social Organization: How societies structure themselves and organize relationships.
3. Customs and Traditions: Practices and rituals passed down through generations, often holding cultural significance.
4. Religion and Beliefs: Systems of faith, spirituality, and belief in a higher power or existential principles.
5. Arts and Recreation: The creative expressions and leisure activities that provide entertainment, relaxation, or cultural significance.
6. Economics: The production, distribution, and consumption systems of goods and services within a society.
7. Government and Law: The methods by which societies maintain order, enforce rules, and make decisions.
8. Technology and Tools: The practical applications of knowledge to create tools, techniques, and systems that solve problems and improve life.
9. Material Culture: The physical objects, resources, and spaces people use to define their culture.

Translated to the world of leadership

Let’s apply these concepts to building your team's or organization's culture. It is a valuable framework for leaders to effectively understand, connect with, and influence diverse teams. Here's how leaders can localize these cultural universals:

1. Communication and Clarity (Language):

Effective leaders don’t just talk—they communicate with precision, consistency, and inclusivity. They know the power of language isn’t limited to words. It’s in the pauses, the tone, and even the silences that amplify trust or destroy it. Leaders must adapt their communication styles to suit different team members and situations, ensuring their message resonates and inspires.

Leadership Tip: Motivate your team using storytelling, active listening, and tailored messaging. Encourage open communication and feedback to build a transparent work environment. Your words carry weight; your delivery determines how far they reach.

2. Building Strong Teams (Social Organization):

Leadership does not herd people to a shared goal. It masters team dynamics—spotting informal leaders, building social bonds, and dismantling toxic hierarchies that hold your team back.

Leadership Tip: Focus on team-building activities, recognize social influencers within your group, and leverage diverse talents to create a cohesive and high-performing team. Ignore team dynamics at your peril—those undercurrents can make or break your success.

3. Creating a Positive Culture (Customs and Traditions):

Every organization has its unique customs, rituals, and traditions. Leaders can use these to build a positive workplace culture that aligns with the organization's values. This could include regular team meetings, recognition programs, and celebrating milestones.

Leadership Tip: Establish meaningful traditions that reinforce company values and boost morale, like celebrating wins, honoring anniversaries, or holding regular team-building retreats. Ask yourself: are your rituals reinforcing purpose or just filling time? If it’s the latter, it’s time to lead differently.

4. Establishing Core Values (Religion and Beliefs):

While not necessarily religious, every organization has core beliefs and values that guide its actions and decisions. Strong leaders articulate these values clearly, align their decisions with them, and embody them in their leadership style.

Leadership Tip: Develop and communicate a clear set of core values for your team, ensuring these values drive behavior, decision-making, and overall company culture.

5. Nurturing Creativity and Innovation (Arts and Recreation):

Encouraging creativity and offering recreation opportunities can boost morale, increase engagement, and stimulate innovative thinking. Leaders prioritizing a healthy work-life balance and creative outlets create a more dynamic and resilient team.

Leadership Tip: Build a culture that values creativity by encouraging brainstorming sessions, recognizing innovative ideas, and providing space for creative expression. Also, support work-life balance with team activities and wellness programs.

6. Managing Resources and Motivation (Economics):

Leaders must be adept at managing resources—time, money, and talent. Understanding your team's economic motivators (incentives, rewards, and career advancement) can help you align their efforts with organizational goals.

Leadership Tip: Be transparent about budgets, set clear financial goals, and offer rewards that align with personal and organizational success, such as performance bonuses or professional development opportunities.

7. Establishing Rules and Accountability (Government and Law):

Just as societies have laws and governance structures, leaders must set clear guidelines, policies, and accountability systems within their teams to ensure consistency, fairness, and alignment with the organization's mission.

Leadership Tip: Rules are your leadership boundaries. Without them, you invite chaos. Make your expectations clear, enforce them consistently, and model the behavior you demand. Accountability starts with you.

8. Leveraging Innovation for Efficiency (Technology and Tools):

Leaders who embrace new technologies and tools can drive efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. Understanding how to leverage these resources effectively can transform a team's operations.

Leadership Tip: Invest in the right tools and technologies that align with your team's needs. Provide training and support to ensure everyone can utilize these tools effectively. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.

9. Creating an Inspiring Environment (Material Culture):

The physical environment and resources available to your team can significantly impact their performance. Leaders should create a workspace that inspires productivity, creativity, and well-being.

Leadership Tip: Design a workspace that reflects your team's values and needs, whether it's through ergonomic furniture, collaborative spaces, or remote work options. Also, provide the tools and materials necessary for your team's success.

Integrating the Universals into Leadership Practice

The Nine Universals aren’t abstract theories—they’re your playbook for inspiring teams that thrive. Start owning them, and you’ll lead with nuance, grit, and results that matter. Ready to elevate your leadership? Let’s dive into how these universals can transform your style.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of your team members, ensuring inclusivity and understanding.
• Adaptive Leadership: Use this framework to adapt your leadership style to different contexts and challenges, making you more versatile and effective.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Leverage these universals to make informed decisions that align with your team’s strengths, values, and goals.
• Enhance Team Dynamics by understanding social structures and communication styles.
• Build a Positive Work Culture that values traditions, creativity, and shared values.
• Drive Innovation by leveraging technology and creative problem-solving.
• Strengthen Accountability and Ethics through clear guidelines and a values-driven approach.

These cultural universals provide a roadmap for leaders to build stronger, more cohesive, and effective teams by tapping into the shared human experience while respecting individual differences. Use these concepts to forge a culture that inspires, innovates, and thrives.

Leadership Self-Assessment: The Nine Universals of Culture

This self-assessment helps you understand your effectiveness across cultural dimensions and identify growth opportunities.

Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 = Needs Improvement, 3 = Adequate, and 5 = Excellent. After each section, there are reflection prompts to encourage deeper thinking.

1. Communication and Clarity:

_____ I communicate clearly and effectively with my team.?

_____ I adapt my communication style to suit different team members.?

_____ I encourage open dialogue and actively listen to feedback.?

_____ TOTAL

What’s one thing you avoid saying to your team? Why? Identify the barrier you’ve built—and start tearing it down.

2. Building Strong Teams:

_____ I understand the social dynamics and informal leaders within my team.?

_____ I create opportunities for team members to collaborate and bond.?

_____ I leverage the strengths of individual team members to optimize performance.?

_____ TOTAL

What unspoken team dynamics are at play? Confront them head-on. Stronger teams aren’t built by accident—they’re designed.

3. Creating a Positive Culture:

_____ I establish meaningful rituals and traditions that align with our team's values.?

_____ I recognize and celebrate team achievements and milestones.?

_____ I create a positive and inclusive work environment.?

_____ TOTAL

What traditions or rituals could you introduce to enhance team morale and alignment with your organization's values?

4. Establishing Core Values:

_____ I communicate the core values of our team/organization.?

_____ I lead by example and align my decisions with these values.?

_____ I encourage my team to reflect on and align with our shared values.?

_____ TOTAL

How well do your actions align with your stated values? Are there any gaps between what you say and what you do?

5. Encouraging Creativity and Innovation:

_____ I encourage creative thinking and innovation within the team.?

_____ I support work-life balance and recreational activities for my team.?

_____ I recognize and reward creative solutions to challenges.?

_____ TOTAL

What opportunities can you create for your team to express creativity and recharge?

6. Managing Resources and Motivation:

_____ I effectively manage team resources (time, budget, skills) to maximize productivity.?

_____ I understand and leverage economic motivators for my team (e.g., incentives and recognition).?

_____ I set clear financial goals and align team efforts to achieve them.?

_____ TOTAL

Can you optimize resource management or better align incentives with team performance?

7. Establishing Rules and Accountability:

_____ I set clear guidelines and expectations for my team.?

_____ I hold myself and others accountable for meeting standards.?

_____ I ensure that decisions are ethical and transparent.

_____ TOTAL

How can you improve accountability and fairness within your team?

8. Leveraging Innovation for Efficiency:

_____ I stay up-to-date with new technologies that can benefit our team.?

_____ I provide the necessary tools and training for my team to succeed.?

_____ I encourage a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.?

_____ TOTAL

What new technologies or tools could you introduce to enhance team efficiency and productivity?

9. Creating an Inspiring Environment:

_____ I create a work environment that reflects our team's values and needs.?

_____ I ensure that my team has access to the resources they need to succeed.?

_____ I pay attention to my team members' physical and emotional well-being.?

_____ TOTAL

How can you enhance the physical or emotional work environment to support your team's well-being and productivity?

Scoring Guidance: Interpreting Your Results

After completing the self-assessment, add up your scores for all nine universals to get a total of 135. Use the Scoring Benchmarks to interpret your results:

_____ 1. Communication and Clarity

_____ 2. Building Strong Teams

_____ 3. Creating a Positive Culture

_____ 4. Establishing Core Values

_____ 5. Encouraging Creativity and Innovation

_____ 6. Managing Resources and Motivation

_____ 7. Establishing Rules and Accountability

_____ 8. Leveraging Innovation for Efficiency

_____ 9. Creating an Inspiring Environment

_____ GRAND TOTAL

Scoring Benchmarks:

115–135 (Exceptional): You demonstrate strong leadership skills across all dimensions. You likely enable a positive, cohesive, and high-performing team culture. While you excel in many areas, consider focusing on continuous improvement to stay ahead and adapt to future challenges. Celebrate your strengths and find ways to mentor others or share best practices.

• Which dimensions feel most natural to you, and why?
• How can you use your strengths to mentor others or take on more significant leadership challenges?

85–114 (Competent): You’re solid, but there’s room for growth. Don’t settle for ‘good enough.’ Use your scores to zero in on weaknesses and attack them with intention.

• What small changes could you make in areas with lower scores to see immediate improvements?
• Are there specific resources or feedback mechanisms that could support your growth?

50–84 (Developing): You're building your leadership skills but may face challenges in certain areas. Use this as an opportunity to focus on personal and professional development. Identify your weakest dimensions and prioritize actionable steps to improve. Progressing these areas will help you build a more balanced and effective leadership approach.

• What barriers might be holding you back in key areas?

49 or Below (Needs Attention): This indicates significant areas for improvement. Addressing foundational leadership practices is essential to building trust, inspiring your team, and creating a positive work culture. Consider seeking additional resources, training, or mentorship to help you develop the necessary skills and strategies.

• Who can you turn to for guidance or feedback on your leadership journey?

Your leadership potential isn’t fixed. Use this roadmap to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be.